A to Z of Services - Letters A through Z
A to Z of Services:	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R	S	T	U	V	W	X	Y	Z

Guidance On Organised Fireworks Displays/Bonfires

Looking for something similar? Try

Fireworks - More Information

Bonfire night celebrations should be an enjoyable occasion. It is important that the event is thoroughly planned ensuring the hazards are identified and all risks controlled. It is recommended that one person take overall responsibility for the event although a number of people may be involved in its organisation. This information and the checklist gives advice on how to manage outdoor fireworks displays and bonfires safely.

Site

Examine the site and draw a plan indicating the location of the fireworks firing area, the bonfire site and public viewing areas (see suggested site layout).

Ensure the fireworks display is upwind from the bonfire so that sparks from the fire cannot ignite the fireworks. Consider the location of trees, buildings, overhead cables, the type of fireworks to be fired and the size of the bonfire. Cordon off the display and bonfire area ensuring that the public are at a safe distance, having regard to the fireworks instructions. If no specific guidance is available the public should be at least 25 metres from the firing area.

Access

Keep cars away from the display site. Signpost the car park and access points to the display area clearly. Place a clear sign at the entrance to the site asking people not to bring their own fireworks to the display - this includes sparklers. This information should be provided on any publicity for the event.

Extinguishers

Provide sufficient fire blankets, sand and water buckets, hoses, and water supply. Ensure that all staff know their location, how to use them, and other steps to take in an emergency.

First Aid

Ensure that a complete first aid kit is readily available and that staff are made aware of the location of the kit; the qualified first aid officer or other responsible person; and instructed in what to do in the event of an emergency. Cold water must also be available to ensure burns are treated quickly. You should also be aware of the location of the nearest telephone or have a mobile telephone available to call the emergency services.

Marshalling Staff

Make sure there are sufficient people to ensure public safety. One person should be nominated for overall control of the event. Duties should include the supervision of all marshals and other responsible parties, amendments or cancellation in the event of weather changes, etc.. Marshals should be easily identified by wearing bright tabards; be provided with torches and whistles; and be instructed in what to do in an emergency. They should not be under the influence of alcohol and should supervise the spectators and not watch the display.

Fireworks

Adult Fireworks* must not be supplied to persons under the age of 18. Anyone under 18 is prohibited from possessing fireworks in a public place**. All premises selling fireworks must be registered by the Fire Brigade.

N.B. Please contact Barnsley MBC Trading Standards on (01226) 772532 if you are aware of retailers, or any one else, who may be supplying fireworks to people who are under age or think the premises may be unregistered.

These adult fireworks are to be used by professionals only.

Category 2 Garden Fireworks. These are suitable for most gardens as they require a separation distance from spectators of just 5 metres.

Category 3 Display Fireworks. These are much larger and require a separation distance of 25 metres for spectators, plus a similar 'fallout' area. They may not be suitable for use in gardens.

All fireworks must be stored in flame resistant containers. The container must be kept upwind from the display/bonfire and covered at all times.

Ensure that the fireworks and the bonfire are not left unattended when they have been set up. Keep all fireworks secure prior to the display.

Follow the specific instructions on the fireworks. Ensure that they are stacked and angled away from spectators before they are fired.

Ensure all instructions are read prior to the event and be aware of the site limitations, including maximum safe distances, when choosing fireworks.

Please contact:

Barnsley MBC Regulatory Services
Tel: (01226) 772532
Email: healthandsafety@barnsley.gov.uk
If you know of retailers, or any one else, who may be supplying fireworks to people who are under age or think the premises may be unregistered.

*Adult Fireworks: Fireworks that do not comply with the requirements of Part 2 of BS7114 basically this includes all fireworks in category 1-3 other than caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers and serpents.

** Public Place: a public place is anywhere the public have access at the time the person is in possession of the firework, whether on a payment basis or not.

Setting off fireworks

Plan the layout of the fireworks and ensure that staff know how to set them off and the firing sequence. Ensure that the wind direction had been accounted for. In high winds the display may have to be modified or cancelled. Limit the number off staff setting of the fireworks.

Ensure goggles/gloves and strong shoes are worn at all times. Clothing should be close fitting, (no nylon or flammable clothes). Staff should also be provided with torches and portfires or slow burning wicks. Ensure that staff are aware of the procedure should a firework fail to go off, i.e. wait half an hour and place into a bucket of water overnight, and then bury deep in the ground.
Either follow this procedure or contact South Yorkshire Fire Service for disposal of spent fireworks.

Fireworks Celebrations and Time Restrictions

Certain types of fireworks are prohibited from being used during night hours except on a permitted Fireworks Night or when used by a person employed by a Local Authority who is staging a display, or at a national public event or celebration.

What are 'night hours'? Any time between 11.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m. the following morning.

What are the permitted firework nights? - Chinese New Year - Bonfire Night (November 5th) - Diwali - New Years Eve.

Are there any changes on these special days? Yes the night hours when fireworks can be used are extended as follows:

Chinese New Year Permitted time extended from 11.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m. the following morning
Bonfire Night (November 5th) Permitted time extended from 11.00 p.m. to midnight
Diwali - Permitted time extended from 11.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m. the following morning
New Years Eve Permitted time extended from 11.00 p.m. on 31st December and ends at
1.00 a.m. on 1st January

Fireworks and Pets

Pets do not like loud bangs and flashes. Please take extra care and keep them inside during the days when most fireworks are discharged. Stay with them if possible. If you have a cat or dog ensure that they have an identity collar/disc so it can be returned to you if it runs away. The Councils Dog Warden Service can be contacted on (01226) 772540.

Bonfire

Think about the size of the bonfire and its position. Remember, fire can spread by:
Radiated heat the fire heats nearby surfaces and this can result in them also catching light.
Direct burning Other materials, e.g. grass, catch light and allow the fire to spread.

This can also occur if the fire is unstable and collapses/falls over. Either locate the bonfire in a position where sparks will not be transported by the wind to the fireworks firing area, or avoid lighting the bonfire until after the fireworks have been lit.

Supervise the lighting of the bonfire. Do not use petrol or other flammable liquids to light it. Check the fire for children and animals before lighting. Do not burn items that may produce toxic fumes, e.g. foam filled furniture or items that may explode, e.g. aerosols.

Cordon off the bonfire to keep the public at a safe distance.

After the event, ensure that the site is cleared and the bonfire is fully extinguished.

Who to notify

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is an offence to cause a nuisance. In order to minimise disturbance to your neighbours and others, inform nearby residential homes, animal homes, etc. about the display and ensure that it finishes at a reasonable time. See Notification and Online Registration.

Fireworks and Noise Nuisance

The frequency, impact and duration of the noise are the determining factors in assessing whether or not the noise is a legally actionable statutory nuisance.

From the 7th August, 2004, it is an offence to supply, or offer for sale, any CATEGORY 3 Firework that, when used, produces a maximum sound pressure level exceeding 120 decibels.

Provided the fireworks you buy are manufactured or imported by a reputable company they should not exceed this sound pressure level, as all members of the trade associations have agreed that no fireworks that fall outside this requirement for Category Three will be made or imported.

Insurance

Ensure that you have adequate insurance cover for the proposed event. If an accident occurs at a public event then Regulatory Services Health and Safety Team, or the Health and Safety Executive must be informed - Telephone (01226) 773860.

Registration of Bonfires and Displays

Regulatory Services operate a free voluntary registration scheme for public displays and bonfires. By registering your event you can ask for a free advice visit by one of our officers. Find out how to Register the Event.

A Checklist (.pdf, 219k) is also provided. This is not exhaustive and each event must be individually assessed to ensure that all hazards have been identified and the necessary precautions have been taken to reduce risks.

Fireworks and Anti-Social Behaviour

A firework being discharged in a public place without authorisation is a public order and anti social behaviour issue, similar to shouting or fighting in the street.

Where a particular location has become a centre for this type of activity it should be referred to the Police on 0114 2202020. Remember - Adult Fireworks* must not be supplied to people who are under 18. Anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from possessing fireworks in a Public Place**.

In the event of injury occurring through the misuse of fireworks an injured party may have recourse to Civil Law. Also, in certain circumstances, this could lead to prosecution of the person who caused the injury under the criminal justice system.